In honor of the International Volunteer Day, Astana hosted an award ceremony for the most active representatives of the older generation — silver volunteers. About 30 pensioners were awarded letters of thanks and certificates for their contribution to the development of Astana, the official website of the city akimat reports.
The event was organized by the National Volunteer Network, the Astana Zhastary Youth Resource Center and the Center for Active Longevity.
"There are about 80 elderly people in our club who gratuitously help our center in organizing various events. These volunteers are actively involved in various initiatives, for example, within the framework of the project "Continuity of generations" they knit clothes from natural wool for premature babies. In addition, they conduct carpet weaving workshops, teaching children traditional crafts so that these skills are not forgotten. We have signed memoranda with schools, and volunteers visit educational institutions weekly, passing on their knowledge and skills to the younger generation. Silver age volunteers also actively participate in cultural events, charity events, environmental clean-up, contributing to the improvement of society," said Kymbat Tasymova, head of the Methodology and Reporting Department of the Center for Active Longevity.
As noted by Indira Maremova, volunteer coordinator of the Astana Zhastary Volunteer Center, silver age volunteers play an important role in helping young volunteers in various initiatives, including clean-up days and collecting humanitarian baskets for poor families.
"They work on an equal basis with the younger generation — schoolchildren and students, making a significant contribution to the life of society. Their participation is invaluable, and despite their age, they remain cheerful and energetic. Our senior volunteers treat young people with kindness and care, like their grandchildren. We easily find a common language and always maintain friendly relations. They show by their example that even in adulthood it is possible to remain active and benefit society, and also share their life advice with young volunteers. Rewarding such volunteers really inspires them. This not only increases their motivation, but also highlights the importance of their contribution to the community. Thus, we express our gratitude for their hard work," Indira Maremova stressed.
Riza Bekpaeva, a volunteer at the Center for Active Longevity of the Nura metropolitan area, shared her impressions, who directs the intellectual games course at the center and actively participates in the Kumis Zhoba volunteer project.
"I was sent an invitation to the event, but I didn't even realize that it would be an award ceremony. I am very pleased and at the same time excited, because this is a really responsible job. As volunteers, we feel that we are contributing to the improvement of society. Our center holds many events not only within the framework of the volunteer movement, but also interacts with children and schoolchildren. I cannot fail to mention our cooperation with the Zhansaya Rehabilitation Center, where we organize concerts and events dedicated to the traditions and cultural customs of the Kazakh people. Participating in such events brings me great satisfaction, because I feel like I'm putting a piece of my heart and kindness into what I'm doing. This is truly important to me," Riza Bekpaeva concluded.
A concert program was held after the award ceremony. The Baiterek choral group, which is actively involved in the club activities of the Active Longevity Center, performed at the event.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/astana/press/news/details/896298